19 April 2023 –

Rubie Taylor, who lives in one of our supported living services, is backing a campaign to challenge the air travel industry to improve their provision for disabled people.

#RightsOnFlights is led by Disability Rights UK. The campaign is demanding that the Government gives the Civil Aviation Authority more powers to fine airlines and other actors who fail in their obligations to disabled travellers.

Rubie has written this statement with Kerry Pollard, a member of her support team:

You may have recently heard about a new campaign called #RightsOnFlights. Led by disabled TV presenter Sophie Morgan, MP Marion Fellows and Disability Rights UK, it’s calling on the Government to give the Civil Aviation Authority more powers to fine airlines who fail in their obligations to disabled travellers.

My lifelong dream is to fly to Graceland in America to see Elvis’ Home. However, due to many airlines not providing adequate equipment and facilities, I haven’t been able to make this a reality.

We need to see planes built that allow wheelchair users to be able to board in their chairs and have toilet facilities that cater to their needs. The first step towards that goal is to start raising awareness for change and to make airlines accountable for failing to provide adequate care for wheelchair users.

You can support this campaign by signing a pre-written letter and sending it to your local MP. If you’ve been personally affected by this issue, why not also include details about your personal experience or how you want to be able to go abroad but are unable to, just like me.

Go to: www.disabilityrightsuk.org/rights-flights or use #RightsOnFlights on social media.

Let’s all get on board so everyone is able to fly wherever they want!

We sent Rubie and Kerry’s statement to Kamran Mallick, CEO of Disability Rights UK, and he issued the following response:

Thank you, Rubie, for speaking out in support of the #RightsOnFlights campaign. Your lifelong dream to fly to Graceland in America is achievable if airlines make the changes we demand. We also want the Civil Aviation Authority to have the power to fine airlines that don’t provide accessible flights.

You have brought attention to the urgent need for change. It is essential that everyone has equal access to travel, and it is unacceptable that airlines are not providing adequate equipment and facilities for disabled travellers.

We encourage everyone to support this campaign by signing the pre-written letter and sending it to their local MP. It’s also important to share your personal experiences and stories to raise awareness of the issue and put pressure on airlines to make the necessary changes.

Thank you for joining and supporting the #RightsOnFlights campaign. Together, we will speak out loudly and ensure that our airlines are held accountable for their obligations to disabled passengers. With you, we will continue our campaign to ensure everyone has the right to fly wherever they want.

Support the #RightsOnFlights campaign